SOC 001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 27: Misdemeanor, Harm Reduction, Recreational Drug Use
21 Sep 2020
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Document Summary
Increased use and public health costs. Legalization would likely result in increased drug use. A policy option similar to legalization. Seen as the halfway point between prohibition and legalization. The conception of decriminalization as something short of legalization couldn"t be further from the truth. By 1972 less than 1 ounce was decriminalized in all but 8 states (misdemeanor) Decriminalization has had little effect on usage. 14 states have decriminalized with strong public support. All 50 states have made a small amount possession a misdemeanor suggesting public support for constraining criminal law in this area. Recognition that for certain drugs (marijuana) harsh criminal offenses do more harm than good. Mechanisms remain in place to punish large-scale trafficking. Public health disadvantages the production and quality. No mechanisms by which the government can systematically monitor or regulate. Little impact on the level of crime and corruption associated with the drug.
